Fall Decorating...

Fall Decorating, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

., donnabezares on Flickr.

Fall Decorating... Easy Sign Project, to share!

Fall Decorating..., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I made the wreath and The "Home" Sign hanging under my wreath. I Love the way the sign compliments my wreath. I have posted the simple "How to" info. below

Fall Decorating.., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Wall Stickers,Purchased At Dollar Tree

Wall Stickers,Purchased At Dollar Tree, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I also went to Home depot and picked up some very inexpensive scrap wood. In the past I just asked the Home depot manager for the Wood remanants, and it was free. However, they now charge any where from $1.00 to $2.00 depending on the size.

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*Apply 3 coats of Acrylic craft paint to your wood surface, allow each coat to dry thourghly

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*Center and apply wall sticker to wood surface ***Optional step, Stipple a very light coat of paint in a complementing color around the "Home" Letters. * Sand all the edges , I like to Scuff the sign up a bit, As well. * Last step, Insert 1 eye hook on each end of your sign, pull ribbon through eye hooks, tie a small knot and trim.

Sign In Place and Complete!

These signs make great little gifts, for Friends and neighbors ,they are very cost effective and easy to make. I, Plan on making a few more, I hope to share photos soon. , a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

My Foyer Fall Vignette, featuring One Of The Dollar tree Pumpkins...

My Fall Vignette..., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I purchased 11 of the bright orange ,Carving Quality Pumpkins. I knew that they would work out well to hold my hydrangeas, and add a nice Fall Accent to my Home.

Dollar Tree Carvabale Pumpkins

Dollar Tree Carvabale Pumpkins, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Pictured, here are some of the Pumpkins I purchased at Dollar tree yesterday. As you can see they started off, bright orange . I have posted some "How To" photo/steps, for those of you who are interested. I Also, stopped by Trader Joe's for some inspiration. I Posted a few photos from Trader Joe's , As well .

Trader Joe's Had a wide variety of Pumpkins, Gourds and Squash....

So many Shades of Pumpkins, Gourds and Squash...., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

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Some inspiration.., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Before, I applied the green olive color shown here ...

Before, I applied the green olive color shown here ..., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I started with a White, Matte finish spray paint and applied a quick and light base coat on all 11 pumpkins. Next, I sprayed them all an Olive green tone. I allowed them to dry thoroughly.

Once the Paint has dried...

Once the Paint has dried..., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I used a paint brush dipped lightly in white acrylic paint , to stipple all over the pumpkin. allowing some of the green to show through , particularly in each of the inner ridges, of the pumpkin

After the paint coat dries..

After the paint coat dries.., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I stipple a tan acrylic paint coat in between the ridges to create more depth. I have also, noticed that Stippling Paint adds a Realistic touch. Of course,You could purchase Pumpkins or Gourds, that are pre -painted. However , I do not like that Cheap air brush finish. Yet, the higher quality faux finished Pumpkins can become costly when You need several as I do. Considering, that I like to use them through out our home, on my Mantle and my shelves, etc....

Carve a circle out....

Carve a circle out...., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Of the top of the pumpkin ,to accomodate the container that you will be inserting, to hold your flowers. I used a jar that was slightly taller than my Pumpkin, As I wanted to tie a Satin bow , Around the lip of the Jar .

Once the paint dries..

Once the paint dries.., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Repeat the white paint stipple process, However, Avoid applying to heavily in the tan/greenish inner ridges .As you want to allow a little color to peak through for depth .Otherwise, It is a matter of personal preference for the over all Pumpkin color. I personaly prefer a very pale pumpkin with slight mossy green, undertones to coordinate with my decor.

I purchased these Napkins at Michael's..

I purchased these Napkins at Michael's.., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

There are six to a package and cost $ 1.49 , they work very well for decoupage projects.I cut out the letter as shown remove the second ply and brushed a light coat of Varnish to a small area on the pumpkin, and placed the "B" on top , and carefully apply a top coat, to seal it.

Set Initial , and apply a top coat of varnish to seal .

Set Initial , and apply a top coat of varnish to seal ., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Pumpkin, on my Foyer with Hydrangeas

Pumpkin, on my Foyer with Hydrangeas, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I plan on sharing photos of more Fall Vignettes and crafts, Soon..

Last Wednesday, Flea Maket at Ventua Fair grounds

Wednesday Flea Maket at Ventua Fair grounds, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

While I was at the Flea Market , I purchased these beautiful Wrought iron chairs at my Friend Diane's booth, she and her husband are lovely people. and they delivered them to my home, They have great taste and are reasonably priced. You should check their merchandise out for yourselves, you wont be disappointed.

I also picked up a few baskets, for my Fall Porch display.

., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

There was so much to see at the Flea market last week, I was searching for a few more Bell Jars (cloche) and I found 2 !

, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Fall Decor Cloche/ Bell Jar Display

Fall Decor Bell Jar, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

During, the Fall season I use Bell jars/Cloche, all over my home on Tables and Shelves or my fireplace mantle. Here I used the Cloche I purchased at the Flea market. I also used the 2, Extra English Tea cups, That I have had for years. For those of you who are interested, I have posted a few photos.

Some of the items, I use....

Some of the items i use for a Bell Jar display, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Position Tea cups as shown, Choose a nice small Plate to use for the foundation,add 2-3 small pinecones.

Position Tea cups as shown, Choose a nice small Plate to use for the foundation,add 2-3 small pinecones., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Now add, leaves and a few small Hydrangea clusters. And place your Cloche/ Bell jar on top

next step add pine cones ,than leaves and a few small Hydrangea clusters, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

So Simple !

Fall Decor Bell Jar, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Guest Room Vignette

Guest Room Vignette, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I Love how easy it is to change the look of a room with linnens and Accessories, like the Apothecary Jar shown Here, I change their contents every season. I have posted a few photos below, offering some very simple steps, that I use to create a fall style, Jar .

Fall Bedding

Fall Bedding, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Guest Room Dressed in Warm Fall tones...

Guest Room Dressed in Warm Fall tones..., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

After I completed, the Apothecary Jar shown on the photo above . I placed it in the guest room and became inspired.... So...This Year, I decided to start some early fall decorating in our guest room .

Start Your Layers....

Start Your Layers...., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

First add your pine cones, use the large size pine cones first. add your dried /artificial Flowers next. and continue to layer as shown. use the light and small pine cones for the Mid.- to top layers.

Place the Leaves...

Place the Leaves..., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I try to, press the leaves against my container and place the dried hydrangeas, behind the Leaves to help keep them in place.

Layer to the top.

Layer to the top., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Complete, I like to add a ribbon around the top,I occasionally, use A tassel in lieu of the ribbon, depending on the setting.

Complete, I like to add a ribbon around the top,I occasionally, use A tassel in lieu of the ribbon, depending on the setting., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Fall Decorating..

Fall Decorating.., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

This photo was, taken Fall Season 2010.

Fall decorating....

Fall decorating...., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

These urns are presently , filled with Sea shells and Starfish . However , the contents change with the Season. These photos were actually , taken last Fall. I make every effort to start , fall decorating on September 20th, However, I have already started my Craft projects, As well as my shopping for the upcoming Fall season. I Search for decorative items, such as candles, Potpourri, Faux berry vines, large cinnamon sticks, Etc... I incorporate both artificial and dried hydrangeas. I , usually make it a point to check out Dollar tree first . the items that I do not buy there, I purchase at Michael's. Particularly, my Fall floral bushes and berry Vines, As the quality is very important., I would never, advise anyone to exclusively decorate with items that are all found at any Dollar only, type store. I always mix the bargains with higher end items. To keep my decor tasteful . I also suggest, that you purchase your Fall floral items, on sale , If I happen to miss the sale I use my 40% off coupon. To those of you, who are not yet on the Michael's Email list. I encourage you to Sign up. As, You will conveniently, receive your coupons on line. I use my coupons, more than once, as long as my purchase is made on a different day.. I will share ,"How To photos" On Fall Vignettes, later this week. . I am looking forward to this Fall season. especially, the Decorating aspect. I enjoy my Fall decor from September 20 thru November 28.

Silk Leaves from Dollar tree

Silk Leaves from Dollar tree, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Fall season Decorating.....

Fall season Decorating....., a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Fall Leaves At Dollar Tree

Fall Leaves At Dollar Tree, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Last Fall season, my Grand children and I spent a Weekend collecting Pine cones as well as tree Leaves in all the beautiful shades of the season. In addition to that , I purchased some Artificial Leaves at dollar tree. I like to mix the artificial leaves with the pine cones, and leaves we collected , I place the leaves through out my home , on tables , and in decorative containers, .as shown in the photos above.

My Granddaughter Madison

My Granddaughter Madison, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I would like to share a few Photos , that were taken in Mid - Summer, As Fall is quickly approaching . All the photos below , Mark the end of my Summer post .

My Granddaughter Katie

My Granddaughter Katie, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Madison And Katie

DSCN0395, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

My Grandson Mason

My Grandson Mason, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Kitchen Table Scape

Kitchen Table Scape, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

I usually post photos of my formal dining table scape. However, today I would like to share photos of my kitchen table setting.

Kitchen Table Scape, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Kitchen Table Scape, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Party Favor Project

Party Favors, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Party Favor Project, Project complete, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

The favors shown, are placed on top of the scrapbook paper , which I cut the "Happy Birthday" phrase out of . If you are unable to find the paper at Michaels, it may be available at Jo-anns craft supply store.

In the past I have also printed my own " Happy Birthday" phrases in the font of my choice in various colors. on to one sheet and had several copies made at Kinkos.

Close up view of party favor

Close up view of party favor, a photo by donnabezares on Flickr.

Here is a view of what the heart favors look like in a pretty container, the prettier your ribbons the more attractive they will look in place, at your party favor table.